For Parents
Navigate child arrangements after separation, school exclusion appeals, SEND rights, and your legal rights as a parent.
Common Problems
Your Rights
Key Legal Topics
Family Law
Marriage, divorce, child custody, adoption, and domestic abuse protection.
Childcare & Safeguarding
Legal framework for child protection, care proceedings, and safeguarding duties under the Children Acts.
Education Law
School admissions, special educational needs, exclusions, and academy governance.
Useful Guides
Applying for a Child Arrangements Order
How to apply to the Family Court for a Child Arrangements Order when parents cannot agree on where a child lives or how much time they spend with each parent.
Applying for a No-Fault Divorce Online
How to apply for a no-fault divorce online using the HMCTS digital service under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020.
Applying for a No-Fault Divorce Online
How to apply for a no-fault divorce online using the HMCTS digital service under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020.
Challenging a School Exclusion
How to challenge your child's suspension or permanent exclusion from a state school in England. Covers making representations to the governing board, the 15-school-day timescale for a permanent-exclusion review meeting, and the independent review process available if the governing board upholds the exclusion.
Appealing to the SEND Tribunal
How to appeal a local authority's decision about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision to the First-tier Tribunal.
The Adoption Process in England
How adoption works in England, from initial enquiry through assessment and panel approval to the final court order. Covers the roughly six-month approval timescale, the minimum period a child must live with prospective adopters before an order can be applied for, and the welfare test the court and agency must apply.
Safety Planning and Legal Remedies for Domestic Abuse
How to safety plan, access legal protection, and obtain emergency court orders if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Letter Templates
Child Arrangements Proposal Letter
Formal proposal to the other parent setting out proposed arrangements for where children will live and when they will spend time with each parent.
Divorce Application Cover Letter
Formal cover letter to accompany an online divorce application, explaining the choice of sole or joint application under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020.
Legal Tools & Calculators
Common Scenarios
What Happens If a Parent Refuses to Comply With a Contact Order?
Breaching a court-ordered child arrangement is a serious matter. The parent seeking contact has legal remedies including enforcement orders and, ultimately, transfer of residence.
What Happens If the Other Parent Doesn't Pay Child Maintenance?
When a parent refuses to pay agreed or assessed child maintenance, there are legal mechanisms to enforce payment, including through the Child Maintenance Service.
How Are Assets Divided in a Divorce?
England and Wales follow a discretionary system for dividing assets on divorce. The court's starting point is equality, but the final outcome depends on the specific circumstances of the marriage.
I Need to Apply for a Non-Molestation Order Urgently
You are experiencing domestic abuse and need immediate legal protection. A non-molestation order can be obtained from the Family Court — often on the same day — without the abuser being told in advance.
Frequently asked questions
- What should I do if the other parent is not following a child arrangements order?
- If the other parent is breaching a child arrangements order or preventing contact, you should take legal advice promptly. The court takes the enforcement of its orders seriously, so seeking professional guidance is the recommended first step to address the situation effectively.
- Do I need a solicitor for financial matters during divorce?
- For complex financial remedy matters arising from divorce, a solicitor is strongly advisable. While the page provides general information, professional legal representation is recommended to navigate the complexities of dividing assets and other financial issues during separation.
- Who should I contact if I have safeguarding concerns about my child?
- If there are safeguarding concerns about a child, you should contact the local authority's children's services and seek legal advice without delay. Prompt action is necessary to ensure the child's safety and to address any immediate risks effectively.
- Is legal aid available for parents involved in domestic abuse cases?
- Legal aid may be available in cases involving domestic abuse. If you are in a situation involving domestic abuse, you should consider seeking legal advice to explore whether you qualify for this financial support to help with your legal proceedings.
- What specific legal issues for parents are covered on this page?
- The page covers several key areas for parents, including navigating child arrangements after separation, appealing school exclusions, understanding SEND rights, and managing the adoption process. It also addresses issues like child maintenance not being paid and divorce applications.
When to Get Legal Advice
If the other parent is breaching a child arrangements order or preventing contact, you should take legal advice promptly as the court takes enforcement of its orders seriously. For complex financial remedy matters on divorce, a solicitor is strongly advisable. Where there are safeguarding concerns about a child, contact the local authority's children's services and seek legal advice without delay. Legal aid may be available in cases involving domestic abuse.